Storage and display case and system for shoes and other articles

ABSTRACT

A storage and display case comprising an at least partially transparent housing dimensioned to receive at least one article to be displayed; a door attached to the housing, the door configured to open and close; a channel configured to receive an air filter; one or more feet on a bottom of the housing; and one or more receiving members on a top of the housing, the one or more receiving members configured to accept one or more feet of another storage and display case allowing multiple storage and display cases to be stacked stably.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to an at least partially transparent storage case for displaying articles, such as basketball shoes.

BACKGROUND

Basketball shoes have become a collector's item to many. This phenomenon began with Michael Jordan and his shoes distributed by Nike® beginning in 1984. Since then the price of basketball shoes sponsored by NBA players has risen to $100 and more including some in the $250 range. People now collect basketball shoes. Such collections may comprise shoes which are never worn and others which may be worn on special occasions. For example, autographed shoes or very rare shoes (e.g., game worn) are typically not worn.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to develop a storage and display case and system allowing collectible shoes to be stored, maintained and displayed.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is a storage and display case comprising an at least partially transparent housing dimensioned to receive at least one article to be displayed; a door attached to said housing, said door configured to open and close; a channel configured to receive an air filter; one or more feet on a bottom of said housing; and one or more receiving members on a top of said housing, said one or more receiving members configured to receive one or more feet of another storage and display case allowing multiple storage and display cases to be stacked stably.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a storage and display case system comprising multiple storage and display cases, each said multiple storage and display case comprising: an at least partially transparent housing dimensioned to receive at least one article to be displayed; a door attached to said housing, said door configured to open and close; a channel configured to receive an air filter; one or more feet on a bottom of said housing; and one or more receiving members on a top of said housing, said one or more receiving members configured to receive said one or more feet of another storage and display case allowing multiple storage and display cases to be stacked stably.

Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a storage and display case according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the storage and display case with a door in an open position according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front and side views of multiple storage and display cases stacked according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of multiple storage and display cases stacked according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3D illustrates an information card slot according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative storage and display case according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an opening and air filter of the storage and display case according to the embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom of the case with one or more inclined portions to present shoes according to the embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to those skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.

The components of the embodiments of the present invention may be fabricated of any suitable material, including, plastics, alloys, composites, resins and polymers, and may be fabricated using suitable techniques, including molding, machining, 3D printing and rapid prototyping. Moreover, while the detailed description below focuses on collectible-style basketball shoes, those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable article(s) (e.g., ladies shoes, hats, etc.) may be stored, maintained and displayed in the storage and display case described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a storage and display case 100. In broad terms, the storage and display case includes an at least partially transparent housing 110, an access door 120, a channel 130 configured to receive an air filter 140, one or more feet 150-1 through 150-4 (150-4 not visible but opposite said receiving member 160-4), and one or more receiving members 160-1 through 160-4.

In one embodiment, the housing 110 is rectangular with a top 111, bottom 112, first side wall 113, second side wall 114, rear wall 115 and door 120. In other embodiments, the housing 110 may take on other shapes such as square, circle, polygonal and the like. In one embodiment, the top 111, bottom 112, first side wall 113, second side wall 114, rear wall 115 and door 120 are transparent. In other embodiments, one or more of the top 111, bottom 112, first side wall 113, second side wall 114, rear wall 115 and door 120 may be opaque or partially opaque. In one embodiment, the housing 110 is fabricated of clear acrylic.

As shown in FIG. 2, the door 120 rotates about a connection with the top 111. In one embodiment, the door 120 attaches to the bottom 112 with a pair of hinges 121 such that the door 120 opens downwards. In alternative embodiments, the hinges 121 may attach the door 120 to the top 111 such that the door 120 opens upward or the hinges 121 may attach the door 120 to one of the side walls such that the door 120 opens to the left or right. Other connections means, besides hinges, may be used as well. In other embodiments, the top 111, bottom 112, side wall 113 or side wall 114 may serve as a door. In another embodiment, the door 120 may include magnets or other means to maintain the door 120 in a closed position.

A lock mechanism 170 and 171 permits the door 120 to be locked maintaining the enclosed article(s) in a secure environment. The lock mechanism 170 and 171 may be any type of lock mechanism, including a latch lock, hinge lock and the like, suitable for securing the door 120 to the top 111, bottom 112, first side wall 113 and/or second side wall 114. The lock 170 and 171 may be of a combination type or key type.

The storage and display case 100 further includes four feet 150-1 through 150-4 on the bottom 112 and four receiving members 160-1 through 160-4 on the top 111. As shown, the feet 150-1 through 150-4 and receiving members 160-1 through 160-4 are positioned on corners of the bottom 112 and top 111, respectively. The feet 150-1 through 150-4 may be made of a pliable material such as rubber, soft plastic or polymer preventing damage to another storage and display case on which it may be stacked or a floor surface. In one embodiment, the receiving members 160-1 through 160-4 are in the form of a shallow cavity on the top 111. In another embodiment, the receiving members 160-1 through 160-4 may be a tacky material, rough surface, hook and lop fasteners or similar means to discourage movement of the feet of a storage and display case stacked thereon. In another embodiment, the receiving members may be magnets and the feet may be metallic or vice versa.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show multiple storage and display cases 200-1 and 200-2 stacked on top of one another. Each of the storage and display cases 200-1 and 200-2 is generally constructed as described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. In a stacked arrangement, the feet 210-1 through 210-4 (210-4 not visible) of storage and display case 200-2 rest on, and are prevented from sliding by, receiving members 220-1 through 220-4 (220-4 not visible) of the storage and display case 200-1. FIG. 3C shows the side view of the feet 210-1 through 210-4 resting in receiving members 222-1 through 222-4 comprising cavities configured to secure the feet 210-1 through 210-4 therein. Regardless of the embodiment, the receiving members 220-1 through 220-4 serve to hold or otherwise maintain the feet 210-1 through 210-4 of the storage and display case 200-1 to prevent the storage and display case 200-2 from shifting, sliding or moving once stacked on the storage and display case 200-1. While only two storage and display cases 200-1 and 200-2 are shown in a stacked arrangement, more than two storage and display cases may be stacked. FIG. 3B also shows a side end of openings 130-1 and 130-2 for placement of the air filters.

FIG. 3A and 3B also show information card slots 225-1 and 225-2 for receiving information cards detailing information about the shoes in the storage and display cases 200-1 and 200-2. For example, an information card may recite the year the shoe was released, whether the shoe was game worn, name of autographs on the shoe, means for authenticating the history of the shoe, shoe value, etc. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3D, the information card slots 225 comprise two sides 226-1 and 226-2, each defining a slot 227-1 and 227-2, and a bottom surface 228 on which the card rests once inserted into the pair of slots 227. Upper opening 229 permits placement in, and access to, the information card. Other card slot designs are conceivable.

FIG. 3C shows a first storage and display case 275-1 supporting second storage and display case 275-2 with feet 280-1 through 280-4 (280-1 and 280-4 not visible) resting in receiving members 285-1 through 285-4 (285-1 and 285-4 not visible) in the form of cavities.

As shown in FIG. 4, those skilled in the art will recognize that a top 310 of a storage and display case 300 may include pegs 320-1 through 320-4 (320-1 and 320-4 not visible) and which may be received by receiving members on a bottom of another storage and display case when in a stacked arrangement.

While four feet or pegs are detailed above, it is conceivable that more or less than four feet or pegs may be used. For example, a single foot or peg may circumscribe a bottom or top, respectively, of a storage and display case and be received by a single corresponding receiving member on a bottom of a storage and display case on which it is stacked. In another example, a rectangular storage and display case may utilize six feet with one at each corner and one along each long side thereof. A rectangular case for shoes may have dimensions of 2-3 feet in length, 1 foot wide and 1 foot high. Any dimensions, shapes and sizes are conceivable.

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of a storage and display case 400 with an air filter 410 inserted into a channel 420 or opening in the rear wall 430. The air filter 410 is configured to filter corrosive and problematic organisms, microbes, pollutants, toxins and the like which may damage the shoes (or any articles stored and displayed in the case. The air filter 410 permits clean air to pass therethrough. The air filter 410 may also be incorporated in the top, bottom, side walls and/or door. Multiple air filters may be incorporated into a single storage and display case as well.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an inner surface of the bottom 112 is covered with felt 123 or similar material to enhance the presentation of the shoes. Presenting the shoes is accomplished by stacking individual storage and display cases on top of one another and positioning them side-by-side. The at least partially transparent housing permits the shoes to be easily viewed. Indeed, the owner may also be able to quickly select shoes to wear if the owner elects to do so. This is a great improvement over storing collectible basketball shoes in the boxes in which they were purchased.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the bottom of a case 500 may include one or more inclined portions 505 to better present a shoe or shoes as desired. A raised ridge 510 prevents a shoe on said one or more inclined portions 505 to prevent the shoe from sliding off. Alternatively, the one or more inclined portions 505 may include a tacky material thereon.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A storage and display case comprising: an at least partially transparent housing dimensioned to receive at least one article to be displayed; a door attached to said housing, said door configured to open and close; a channel configured to receive an air filter; one or more feet on a bottom of said housing; and one or more receiving members on a top of said housing, said one or more receiving members configured to receive one or more feet of another storage and display case allowing multiple storage and display cases to be stacked stably.
 2. The storage and display case of claim 1 wherein said housing is rectangular having a top, bottom, three side walls and the door.
 3. The storage and display case of claim 2 further comprising four feet on corners of said bottom and four receiving members on corners of said top.
 4. The storage and display case of claim 2 wherein said door is on a front of said housing and attached to said top, bottom or side wall of the housing such that said door may open upwards, downward or to the left or right.
 5. The storage and display case of claim 1 wherein said one or more receiving members are magnets configured to receive metallic feet of a different storage and display case.
 6. The storage and display case of claim 1 wherein said one or more receiving members are cavities configured to receive feet of a different storage and display case.
 7. The storage and display case of claim 1 wherein said one or more receiving members are a tacky material or rough surface configured to receive feet of a different storage and display case.
 8. The storage and display case of claim 1 further comprising one or more information card holder on said housing.
 9. The storage and display case of claim 1 further comprising one or more inclined portions on a bottom thereof.
 10. A storage and display case comprising: an at least partially transparent housing dimensioned to receive at least one article to be displayed; a door attached to said housing, said door configured to open and close; a channel configured to receive an air filter; one or more pegs extending from a top of said housing; and one or more receiving members on a bottom of said housing, said one or more receiving members configured to receive one or more pegs of another storage and display case allowing multiple storage and display cases to be stacked stably.
 11. The storage and display case of claim 10 wherein said housing is rectangular having a top, bottom, three side walls and the door.
 12. The storage and display case of claim 11 further comprising four pegs on corners of said top and four receiving members on corners of said bottom.
 13. The storage and display case of claim 11 wherein said door is on a front of said housing and attached to said top, bottom or side wall of the housing such that said door may open upwards, downward or to the left or right.
 14. The storage and display case of claim 10 wherein said one or more receiving members are magnets configured to receive metallic pegs of a different storage and display case.
 15. The storage and display case of claim 10 wherein said one or more receiving members are cavities configured to receive pegs of a different storage and display case.
 16. The storage and display case of claim 10 wherein said one or more receiving members are a tacky material or rough surface configured to receive pegs of a different storage and display case.
 17. The storage and display case of claim 10 further comprising one or more information card holder on said housing.
 18. The storage and display case of claim 10 further comprising one or more inclined portions on a bottom thereof.
 19. A storage and display case system comprising: at least two storage and display cases, each said storage and display case comprising: an at least partially transparent housing dimensioned to receive at least one article to be displayed; a door attached to said housing, said door configured to open and close; a channel configured to receive an air filter; one or more feet on a bottom of said housing; and one or more receiving members on a top of said housing; and wherein said one or more receiving members of a first one of said at least two storage and display cases are configured to receive said one or more feet of a second one of said at least two storage and display cases allowing said second one of said at least two storage and display cases stackable on said first one of said at least two storage and display cases.
 20. The storage and display case system of claim 19 wherein each of said at least two storage and display cases comprises a rectangular housing having a top, bottom, three side walls and the door.
 21. The storage and display case system of claim 20 wherein each of said at least two storage and display cases comprises four feet on corners of said bottom and four receiving members on corners of said top.
 22. The storage and display case system of claim 20 wherein each of said at least two storage and display cases include a door on a front of said housing and attached to said top, bottom or side wall of the housing such that said door may open upwards, downward or to the left or right.
 23. The storage and display case system of claim 19 wherein each of said at least two storage and display cases include one or more magnetic receiving members configured to receive metallic feet of the other storage and display case.
 24. The storage and display case system of claim 19 wherein each of said at least two storage and display cases include one or more receiving members in the form of cavities configured to receive feet of the other storage and display case.
 25. The storage and display case system of claim 19 wherein each of said at least two storage and display cases include one or more receiving members in the form of a tacky material or rough surface configured to receive feet of the other storage and display case.
 26. The storage and display case of claim 19 further comprising one or more information card holder on said housing.
 27. The storage and display case of claim 19 further comprising one or more inclined portions on a bottom thereof. 